BUSTED! Dieting myths you should avoid

Diet culture is rife with tall tales and myths, some of which are downright dangerous! Here are some popular diet myths busted wide open and some fantastic, safe eating habits you should adopt instead. Strap yourself in. You’re about to learn how to lose weight, feel great, and look fantastic.

Myth 1: You shouldn’t eat after 7 PM
People believe that chowing down on a late dinner will pack on the pounds. In reality, your weight is based on what and how much you eat rather than the time you eat. However, late dinners also usually come with alcohol and appetizers and junk food which increases your total caloric intake. This is probably why people buy into this really popular diet myth. A late dinner now and then isn’t going to harm you but make sure it’s healthy.

Myth 2: You should fast before a workout
According to experts, eating a light, nutritious breakfast will give you a 20 percent energy boost so you can really crush that workout. On the other hand, fasting before exercise means you’ll burn more fat but probably won’t have the same endurance, strength, and stamina. Bottom line: Don’t work out on an empty stomach, but don’t stuff yourself either. A bowl of sugar-free granola with chopped fruit and yogurt or a nutritious smoothie may be the way to go.

Myth 3: Juice Cleanses are a weight-loss tool
Juicing doesn’t flush out toxins, remove waste, and cleanse your system. Your liver and kidneys do that just fine on their own. Juices lack protein, fat, essential fatty acids, and fiber which are all essential in a balanced meal. When your body doesn’t receive protein, it goes into damage control mode and starts absorbing protein wherever it can get it. Usually, this means your muscles and organs which will lead to you losing muscle mass and getting a serious health condition. So the next time someone tells you to go on a juice cleanse, don’t!

Myth 4: Green Tea revs up your metabolism and will help you lose weight faster
Green tea won’t harm you (unless you drink it by the gallon) but it won’t help you lose weight. Stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and eat healthy instead.